West Surrey - Surrey - England

Architect Ken Moodie was appointed to upgrade the West Surrey course in 2016 and he’s made an impressive start, completing the first phase of a 5-year programme with the renovation of bunkers on four of the holes. The club was keen to show off what had been done so far so I joined editor-in-chief Keith Baxter and a couple of committee members early one morning last week to have a look at the latest course improvements.

Bunkers on the opening and closing holes have been reconstructed but it’s the new sand hazards on the par three holes at the 2nd and 12th holes that really catch the eye. In particular, the greensite of the 161-yard 12th has been completely redesigned and the old half-moon bunker in front of the green has been replaced with ragged-edged hazards now positioned to allow a bail out area for the tee shot in front of the putting surface.

Two holes stood out for me (for completely different reasons) on the front nine: the par three 5th is a terrific short hole, played slightly uphill to a green that slants deceptively from left to right, and the short par four 8th, which rises steeply to a green that’s fronted by an enormous horseshoe-shaped bunker – this rather incongruous sand hazard reminded me of something Seth Raynor might have built on the east coast of America during the 1920s and hopefully it’s a feature that will be toned down if it’s remodelled.

On the back nine, the aforementioned newly revamped 12th and short par four 13th (with its split fairway and centre bunkers) were the best on the card but I can see why the 17th has been described as a “marmite hole” with its fairway falling from the tee then rising abruptly left as it narrows towards a green that’s set back on a ridge. The 18th then sets off for home from a wonderfully elevated tee position, with the par five plunging steeply downhill towards the lovely old clubhouse.

West Surrey suffers from its location in relation to ranking charts as its current position of #22 in a very strong golfing county would translate into a Top 10 placement in any of the adjoining counties. The course is well laid out within a large property that’s free of any residential interference, it’s maintained to a very high standard – the greens were easily the best that I played on during my 6-course visit to the area last week – and there’s an ambitious renovation programme firmly in place, which can only enhance the club’s already enviable reputation as one the leading lights in Surrey’s golfing landscape.

Jim McCann

First visit in over 20 years and I genuinely didn’t remember the course being this good. Obviously Surrey has so many great courses, including 20% of the best in country (2014) and I think that West Surrey is in the next tier. Breaking into the Top 20 of this great county is not going to be easy but not impossible – the current presentation and conditioning of the course is very high and according to some members that I met, as good as they can remember.

This club is traditional with a capital ‘T’ and already have 100 years of history in their locker but is does now appear that the attitude is to move with the times (a little) and try to raise awareness of the club and attract some new visitors. As well as the presentation, I think there are some really decent holes…

The par-5 6th at 528 yards is my pick on the front nine; an inviting drive from an elevated tee leaves a lay-up to be thought about – a lone tree down the left-side pushes the second shot towards a bunker 50 yards short of the green, very clever design.

There is a great little half-way house after the 8th and then again after the 11th – it is not un-common to stop here twice, the members suggest the egg/bacon roll on first stop, then the toasted tea cake three holes later!

The par-4 14th is a strong hole, fairway bunkers, a dog-legging fairway to the right and a slippery green make this under 400 yard hole the SI-2. The 17th hole may split opinion; a par-4 played into a valley and then uphill to the left may not been seen as a fair hole right now but some tree removal on the second half of the fairway on the left, will allow the whole green to be seen; worth thinking about.

The 18th tee is worth spending a few minutes on; ahead of playing this SI-18 par-5, take in the views which are rather nice. It will be interesting to see the next version of the Surrey rankings and I think that the positions 20-25 are all up for grabs, with West Surrey towards the top of these.

Really enjoyed playing this course. Greens were in superb condition and running true on every hole. Plenty of holes you can open your shoulders and let the driver do its job. Front nine a bit longer than the back nine, so don't feel depressed if you score badly, it does get better. Thought the best holes were 4,5,6,8 and course alone should be played for excitement of 17th and the view of the tee on 18th.

Quite rightly considered a gem. very warm and welcoming club. Well worth a game!

West Surrey is a lovely course set in rural Surrey. I played here in June 2007. The course is well prepared and the staff and members were very nice and friendly. The first nine holes require a lot of distance from the tees. The second nine a comparitevely short. The holes flow through the landscape and are set up on plenty of ground. So no interuptions from other holes while you are playing. The greens were very well maintained and true, but a little slow. Unfortunately holes 8 and 17 are a bit quircky and probably prevent this course from being a contender for the top 100, but the other 16 holes more than make up for this.If you are looking for a quiet round on a good course in the Surrey country side, West Surrey should definately be on your list.